Employment

The hiring and training of personnel is an essential component of the fire management program because Ely District firefighters are an integral part of an inter-disciplinary team charged with the mission of maintaining and restoring public land health.

The District fills positions in Caliente, Ely and Pony Springs with applicants from diverse backgrounds. Qualified individuals can serve on a fuels, engine or Helitack crew. There are also positions in fire dispatch.

General job requirements for wildland fire positions include the following: 18 years of age prior to appointment, U.S. Citizenship, completion of a physical exam, and completion of an arduous physical fitness test (Pack Test) which consists of a 3 mile walk carrying a 45 lb pack in 45 minutes or less. Applicants must also complete the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Basic Firefighter and Introduction to Fire Behavior courses. Some positions require a valid driver’s license. Applicants may be required to submit a negative pre-employment drug test.

Most firefighting jobs are seasonal in nature; eastern Nevada’s fire season usually begins around May 1 and ends around October 1. While firefighters primarily concentrate on initial attack fires within their districts or near their stations, firefighters are routinely dispatched nationwide.

To learn more about the different types of temporary seasonal and career seasonal jobs that are available and how to apply for these positions, read Applying for Jobs with Nevada BLM Fire and Aviation. Applications must be submitted online at usajobs.gov, available through the following link: http://www.firejobs.doi.gov.